Craft Apprentice Review

Within the first year of my apprenticeship I got to try out many areas of engineering, from CAD to carbon fibre. I have now specialised in tool making, this involves both fitting and machining. I felt this role suited me the best for the career I wanted. I am currently in the ALM section within the tool room.

I am always learning something new within the apprenticeship, everyday I am challenging myself to learn more and further my learning. I have developed on both personal and physical skills. A main one for me is confidence, through putting myself forward I have built on this and am doing things I never thought I could.

Every day I am excited to go into work and find out what the days tasks will be. Each days tasks are different, it is also very important to me that these are challenging. I always feel I am pushed to my full potential at work to achieve as high as standards as I can.

The apprenticeship is split into different sections. It is clear where I need to be at certain times, for example within the first year you stay in the apprentice building. During this time I tried out all areas of engineering such as fitting, machining, cad and carbon fibre. After the first year you specialise and go into placements in the business.

If I ever need any help I have multiple people that I feel comfortable to approach. Support is always available in any places I might need it. Whether it is help with my work, for example not being able to hand in assignments on time, or maybe having issues outside of work.

Whilst completing my apprenticeship, my assessor is helpful in ensuring that I am on target to complete my apprenticeship at the correct time. As if all my work isn't completed I will have to be an apprentice for longer. By regularly talking to me and setting me deadlines I understand my tasks to complete.

By having on the job training I full understand what my job entails. To be good at a job, comes with experience. So as a consequence, apprenticeships are beneficial to the companies as they already can complete the job that needs doing. So they will in turn know who they are hiring.

There is always a range of extra curricular activities to be completed. This is good as different things suit different people, for example there are site visits, school visits and competitions (these are just a few to mention). Within work people have also organised football and netball competitions to compete outside of work time.

Yes

BAE Systems was defiantly the correct path for me. It is a great company to work for that has provided me with a range of opportunities, with more to come. BAE is an international company that has a future which needs to be filled with apprentices. The options for growth is exciting.

Always put yourself forward for opportunities. Never think that you are not good enough to be chosen, without applying for things then you will never know what you can achieve. It isn't all about your grades to get into BAE Systems it is the type of person that you choose to be.